Misunderstanding and Education

I can’t see any problem with inclusive intentional communities. I feel like an intentional community, just by definition, would be diverse (not only in terms of ability/disability, but also interests, strengths/weaknesses, race, gender, education, finance, etc..).

If there is a community who is uncomfortable accepting a “disabled” person, then it’s probably due to misunderstanding regarding what disability is. This is something that might be improved by educating (or re-educating) intentional communities on disability awareness, inclusion, what community really is, and perhaps even the Gospel itself.

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Permalink Reply by Desiree Kameka on April 26, 2010 at 11:46pm

You are absolutely correct...

I need to clarify that I am looking at developing IC's which would specifically support those with developmental differences, not just accept, but assist as well. Many individuals with developmental disabilities are currently living with their parents, but once their family members pass on, many will be homeless. Currently, waiting lists to get into group homes are maxed out by 20+ years, and many of those group homes have very low standards for living and have low qualified direct care providers with a high turnover rate. By creating IC for those with developmental differences, individuals can live with others who treat them as their beloved housemate, not the object of their job.

There is a great model for those with intellectual disabilities called L'Arche Communities, http://larcheusa.org/, but those with developmental differences often have different needs and would not qualify for their homes.

Permalink Reply by Sarah Russo on April 27, 2010 at 10:24am

Have you read Henri Nouwen’s book about Adam? Very interesting stuff…

Are you looking to create L’Arche-like communities (where caring for the disabled is the central focus), or are you looking to transform existing IC’s to accommodate the disabled as members of their household?

Also, it would be advantageous to do some research about creating this type of community/home (in terms of legality), because people with DD are not allowed to live with their respite workers (if the workers are being paid).

Permalink Reply by Desiree Kameka on May 5, 2010 at 2:58am

I will look that book up! Thanks :)

Not sure whether or not to use existing IC's or start new ones... either way...

The purpose would be to not have anyone being paid to care for the individual, but for there to be a symbiotic relationship formed... to live with someone with a DD because one desires to do so...

Do you think there are people willing to open their homes to individuals with DD's? Students? Families? Retired couples? Widows? Etc...

Just trying to put out feelers and see what bites for now :) Thank you for your suggestions.... keep them coming!

Permalink Reply by Sarah Russo on May 5, 2010 at 3:07pm

A lot people who have a DD aren't in need of full-time care (the way that someone with MR is, or the folks at L'Arche). I'm a part-time respite care attendant for a woman with a DD, and with the exception of more complex/dangerous tasks (driving, cooking with a stove) she's fully capable of taking care of herself. However, she's so used to being helped (because of the disability) that she's grown to expect everyone to serve her (even with things she doesn't need help with). She would be overjoyed if I would do all of her chores for her, and bathe her like a full-time caregiver, but she can do those things as well as I can, they're not affected by her disability.

So in terms of forming a community whose purpose is to care for folks with DDs, there are things like that which need to be strongly considered: encouraging independence, encouraging ability, doing things with them instead of doing things for them, etc...

That's one reason why I would suggest including folks with DDs into pre-existing IC's, as a part of a diverse community, rather than forming a L'Arche-like bubble around them.

Permalink Reply by Sharon Kersten on April 15, 2013 at 6:53am